Santiago “Jamie” Gonzales

Santiago “Jamie” Gonzales, 75, left us far too soon on January 21, 2024.

Jamie was born on July 27, 1948, to Santiago and Guadalupe Gonzales. He was a life-long resident of Menard. Growing up, he and his three siblings did various jobs including picking potatoes, shearing sheep, selling wood, and helping their parents work at The Riverside, their family’s store. Jamie attended Menard schools where he met and fell in love with his classmate, the love of his life, Celia Ortega.

The two were married on July 3, 1966. Together, they created the one thing he cherished the most, his family. During their 58 years of marriage, they had five children, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He spent many years working in the oil field but would always make the most of his time at home with “his kiddos”. His favorite times included trips to Fiesta Texas with his grandchildren and big family gatherings at his house which were always filled with unending laughter and love.

Jamie was a hard worker his whole life and made many friends during any job he would do. His career in the drilling industry was his longest and most adventurous one. He worked for companies that drilled locally, and some that took him to places such as Bolivia and Chile where he and his crew helped rescue 33 miners who were trapped in a gold mine in 2010. He was a selfless man and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Friends and family called him Jamie, Bebe, and “Tio Jamie,” but his favorite and proudest title was “Popo.” Being Popo was the highlight of his life. There was not a game, a meet, an award ceremony, or any event his grandkids were a part of that he missed. He made it a point to be present for all of his family and always let them know just how much they were loved by him and how proud he was.

He will be remembered mostly by his loud voice, contagious laugh, silly dance moves, endless jokes, and unwavering love and devotion to his family.

Jamie is preceded in death by his father, Santiago Gonzales; mother, Guadalupe Perez Gonzales; brother Jerry Gonzales; sisters Elida Abilez and Patricia Spiller; and twin daughters Doris and Loris Gonzales.

He is survived by his loving wife, Celia Gonzales; his three children, Freddy Gonzales and wife Emily Gonzales of San Angelo, Tommy Gonzales and wife Rhonda Gonzales of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Vicky Saucedo and husband Arnold Saucedo of Menard; his five grandchildren Megan Remmick (Cody), Gavin “Chris” Gonzales (Courtney), Laressa Brown (Jason), Haylie Waller (Jordan), and Moses Saucedo, his “Moose”; nine great-grandkids Ian Brown, Mikayla Remmick, Andre Brown, Gideon Heryford, Aven Heryford, Layla Brown, Wrenley Waller, Elia Remmick, and his namesake Jamie “Jax” Brown.

Rosary was held Friday, January 26th at 6:30pm, and funeral service followed on Saturday, both held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Menard. Fr. Mark Woodruff officiated. Graveside services followed immediately at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Family and friends gathered at the American Legion Hall for a meal following the services.